#Avatars of Vishnu

[maekar76]

the Diorama-Museum of Bhagavad-gita

Los Angeles, CA

[bhrm555]

The great battle between Rama and Ravana c 1780, Guler style, Pahari

[jukti-torko-golpo]

Kalki - Concept

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ UNDER THE CUT.

So I got a prompt...banana leaf green+futuristic...and this idea struck. This is a rough sketch that I will hopefully make a final version of. Below is the explanation as dumped on a friend on whatsapp at 3 AM.

this is KALKI He is drawn as a non binary She has an appearance of what people frown upon and judge ekhon piercing, heavy tattoos, black, side buzz cut etc jewellery will be punkified version of some traditional jewellery like makar kundal punk version OF that kalki is said to have a sword and kalki alternatively refers to light which cleans up the darkness hence a light saber style sword which crackles with lightning and it is white symbolising knowledge and purity on their sword wala arm is a tattoo of Ananta sesh naag and the other one has the tattoo of a shankha on his chest is a lotus symbolising Lakshmi because they are cutus that way dark lipstick and heavy almost drag kind of eye makeup looks like a rebel young person symbolising that the collective youth when they fight for knowledge and what is right against generations of mistakes and oppression…they become the actual Kalki. this is a concept art. forgive me for ranting at 3

[jeyaam]

i feel like I’ve said this somewhere here before but i thought about it again… why is vishnu obsessed with the name rama

[nidhi-writes]

Dasavatharam

I recently found out some sects of Hinduism include Buddha as the 9th Avatar in Vishnu's Dasavatharam.

I am from the southern part specifically Tamilnadu, here even in our temple the inscriptions and statues for Dasavatharam always included Balaramar as one of the Vishnu Avatars, not Buddha. Like in the below order. I have used Tamil pronunciation for all.

Matsyam

Kurmam

Varaham

Narasimham

Vamanam

Parashuramar

Ramar

Balaramar

Krishnar

Kalki

This made me so curious about how different Hinduism practices are around India or the world but still hold a string of similarities among them

Which one you have heard growing up? Put it in the comments.

[zeherili-ankhein]

Brobrobro

Imagine there was an avatar Vishnu took specifically to fight Dionysos? (Not not include this in the retelling it's just an AU)

OMGGGG THAT WOULD BE COOL YOO

But like what kind of avatar tho... Theatre guy or drinking buddy?? Or just some avatar to fight like Narasimha or Varaha??

[dreamconsumer]

Lord Varaha.

[h0bg0blin-meat]

Mohini: I can't believe you're getting so worked up about some...guy!

Any woman who's her friend: Th-this one is different! He's honest, he's sweet-

Mohini: Phaleeeeezz-

Woman: He'd never do anything to hurt me-

Mohini: He's a guy!

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

Ancient Vedic Temples ॐ Varaha Rupam sculpture of Maha Vishnu in Hassan District by Hoysala architects.

[fix-me-sixteen]

is it possible to fail hinduism

[hogwash-deli]

When Vishnu Became Varaha (boar incarnation of Vishnu) to Save the Earth Bhumi

Source

The Varaha Avatar is one of the most intriguing and revered forms of Lord Vishnu. An incarnation that showcases the deity’s boundless compassion and omnipotence. The story of Varaha Avatar tells of Vishnu’s divine intervention to rescue the Earth (Bhumi) from the clutches of the demon Hiranyaksha, and it is a tale of cosmic struggle, divine strength, and ultimate restoration of order in the universe.

The Cosmic Balance: The Earth in Peril

In Hindu literature, the Earth (known as Bhumi Devi) is often personified as a goddess, revered as the mother of all beings. She is a vital part of the universe’s ecosystem, symbolizing fertility, stability, and the nurturing aspect of nature. However, during a period when the forces of chaos were on the rise, the Bhumi devi found herself in grave peril. The demon Hiranyaksha, whose power was immense and ever-growing, decided to take control of Bhumi. Desiring to dominate the entire cosmos, he dragged the Bhu devi to the depths of the primordial ocean, submerging it and plunging the world into darkness and despair.

This catastrophic event disrupted the natural order, leaving the heavens in turmoil. The gods, unable to restore the Bhu devi to its rightful place, turned to Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the universe. In his infinite wisdom and boundless compassion, Sri Vishnu understood that only a divine intervention could save Bhumi from the demon’s tyranny.

The Story of Varaha

The story of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, is a crucial episode in Hindu literature, particularly described in the Puranas. Varaha, the third avatar of Vishnu, is depicted as a wild boar that rescues Bhumi devi, personified as Bhumi, from the demon Hiranyaksha, who had submerged it in the cosmic ocean.

Hiranyaksha was the son of the sage Kashyapa and the asura Diti. Having performed severe austerities to Brahma, he obtained a boon that made him invulnerable to death at the hands of gods, men, or beasts. With this boon, Hiranyaksha became a powerful force, and in his arrogance, he pulled Bhudevi deep into the cosmic waters, taking her to the underworld (Patala), thereby disrupting the natural balance.

The gods, including Indra and Brahma, called upon Sri Vishnu to save Bhumi and defeat the demon. To save Bhumi devi, Lord Vishnu manifested as Varaha, a boar with immense strength and power. In this form, Sri Vishnu descended into the cosmic ocean, where a fierce battle ensued between him and Hiranyaksha. Hiranyaksha, full of arrogance, tried to stop Lord Vishnu, but Varaha overpowered him. Ultimately, Vishnu slayed Hiranyaksha with his tusks, rescuing the Earth and placing it back in its rightful position in the cosmos.

The boar form of Sri Vishnu is not a later creation but has its roots in the Vedic texts, such as the Rigveda and Taittiriya Samhita. In early Vedic thought, a boar is connected to the creation myth. The boar form is associated with Prajapati, a creator deity, who is said to have assumed the shape of a boar to lift the Earth from the cosmic waters. Over time, the boar became an avatar of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing his cosmic role in both creation and preservation.

The Varaha Avatar not only represents the physical rescue of Earth but also has deeper symbolic meanings. In the Brahmanda Purana, Varaha is described as possessing cosmic significance. His tusks are linked to the Vedas and sacrificial rites, while his other features represent various aspects of the yajna (sacrifice) process. The narrative connects Varaha with themes of cosmic order, sacrifice, and the restoration of balance in the universe.

In the battle between Varaha and Hiranyaksha, Varaha proves his superiority not just through physical might but also through the divine power of Sri Vishnu. The war is depicted in many texts, including the Lord Vishnu Purana, Padma Purana, and Agni Purana. Hiranyaksha, in his attempts to challenge Varaha, even mocks the boar form, but eventually, Varaha triumphs. After the battle, Sri Vishnu, in his boar form, lifts the Earth and restores it to its rightful place, once again stabilizing the universe.

The Varaha Avatar is a tale of divine intervention, where Sri Vishnu takes the form of a boar to restore balance in the world. His battle with Hiranyaksha represents the eternal struggle between good and evil, with Lord Vishnu emerging victorious in his boar incarnation. Varaha not only rescues the Earth but also embodies the symbolic restoration of cosmic order, demonstrating the protective and sustaining nature of Sri Vishnu in the face of demonic forces.

Bhumi's Gratitude and the Significance of the Varaha Avatar

Once the Bhuni devi was returned to its rightful place, Bhumi Devi, the personification of the Earth, expressed her immense gratitude to Vishnu for saving her from the demon’s clutches. In her appreciation, Bhumi offered Vishnu praises, acknowledging his selfless act of protection. The tale of Vishnu’s Varaha Avatar is not just about defeating a demon; it also emphasizes the importance of devotion, faith, and divine grace in restoring balance to the world. The Varaha Avatar also holds great significance in the broader context of Vishnu’s Dashavatara. Each incarnation of Vishnu is an expression of his divine role as the protector of the universe, and each avatar serves a unique purpose. The Varaha Avatar, with its emphasis on the physical restoration of the Earth, highlights Vishnu’s role in both preserving the natural world and ensuring that cosmic balance is never lost, even in times of extreme adversity. 

The Iconography of Vishnu’s third avatar, Varaha

The iconography of Vishnu’s third avatar, Varaha, is both rich and vibrant, reflecting the diverse traditions and stories surrounding him. Varaha is often depicted in two primary forms: as a wild boar (zoomorphic) or as a blend of human and boar (anthropomorphic). In the zoomorphic form, Varaha is shown as a mighty boar who courageously rescues the Earth from the cosmic ocean, where it had been submerged by the demon Hiranyaksha. This portrayal highlights his role as a fierce protector, carrying the Earth on his tusks to restore balance. In contrast, the anthropomorphic form depicts Varaha with a human body and the head of a boar. This unique depiction blends human strength and animal instinct, much like Vishnu’s other avatar, Narasimha, who combines the form of a lion and man. Unlike earlier avatars like Matsya (the fish) and Kurma (the turtle), which have only partial animal features, Varaha is one of the first to maintain a fully human torso with a boar’s head, making him especially distinctive.

Varaha is often shown in a powerful, combative stance called alidha, with one leg straight and the other bent. His presence is deeply rooted in cosmic symbolism, as he is frequently depicted standing on the serpent Shesha, which represents the stability of the universe. With one foot placed on Shesha’s hood and his other foot on a turtle, he embodies the balance of all elements in creation. In his four hands, Varaha holds objects filled with meaning: a mace (gada) to symbolize strength, a conch (shankha) representing the eternal sound of the cosmos, a discus (chakra) to vanquish evil, and a lotus (padma), which reflects purity and beauty. Often, Varaha is shown with the Earth goddess, Bhudevi, either resting on his tusks or in his lap, symbolizing his role in protecting and uplifting the Earth, a gesture that connects him deeply to the restoration of cosmic harmony.

In addition to these physical attributes, Varaha’s hand gestures (mudras) further express his divine qualities. The abhayamudra, or gesture of reassurance, is a common feature, representing his promise of safety and protection to his devotees. The varadamudra, a gesture of blessing, signifies his capacity to grant boons and favors to those who seek his grace. Some texts even describe Varaha’s form as golden or resplendent, highlighting his radiant divinity. He is often depicted wearing yellow garments, with the Kaustubha jewel and the Srivatsa symbol adorning his chest, symbols of divine wealth and auspiciousness. Additional weapons like a sword or javelin may also be seen in his hands, emphasizing his warrior-like qualities as he combats evil forces.

At its heart, Varaha’s iconography speaks to his role as a protector, a restorer of balance, and a beacon of cosmic wisdom. His imagery reminds us of the triumph of divine power over adversity, and his presence is closely tied to the preservation of the Earth and all life within it. Varaha is not just a symbol of divine intervention but a reminder of the eternal wisdom, wealth, and protection that sustains our world. Worship of Varaha is often associated with prosperity, spiritual growth, and the restoration of cosmic harmony, making him a beloved deity who brings light and stability to the universe.

Conclusion:

The Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu stands as a powerful symbol of divine intervention, cosmic balance, and the triumph of good over evil. Through his incarnation as a boar, Vishnu not only rescues the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha but also reaffirms the eternal principle that the divine will always restore order when chaos threatens the harmony of the universe. The Varaha Avatar teaches us that no force of evil can ever triumph over the protective and sustaining power of the divine.

As we reflect on the Varaha Avatar and its deeper spiritual significance, it also becomes a source of artistic inspiration. The vivid imagery and symbolism of Varaha have long been celebrated in various forms of art, capturing the essence of this powerful incarnation. Whether through statues, paintings, or other artistic representations, these depictions serve as a reminder of Vishnu’s protective nature and the eternal struggle for cosmic balance. For those interested in exploring this divine form through art, there are many beautiful representations of Varaha that can connect us further to the sacred story.

Read also:

Varaha: The Story Behind the Boar Avatar of Vishnu

[bhrm555]

Lord Balaji by Giampaolo Tomassetti

[harekrishna-gallery]

Rama Avatar

[jeyaam]

the 8th / 9th avatar of vishnu is such a brain wrecking question for me personally bc i don’t see the buddha as an avatar at all, but i also strongly hold on to the belief that balarama is an avatar of sheshanaga instead of vishnu

[kingoftheblacksun]

Parashurama (6th Vishnu) and Zalmoxis are Connected

The top image is called the Aleksandrovo kurgan (https://www.hellenicaworld.com/Greece/Mythology/en/Zalmoxis.html), and the man with the axe is Zalmoxis, who was a major deity and avatar of the Dacians of ancient Romania. The bottom image is Parashuram, much more well known, avatar of Vishnu. I am nearly certain these are the same being. The ancient proto-Getae were the primordial origins of the Hindu, as well as the Norse and Egyptian, and our God is the same even as our people and stories evolve. Once this is known we can start to look for patterns and it's really fascinating. I would love to know what the little dog riding the big dog represents, that one is a bit new, haha. It's adorable.

No one will believe me, it is fine - yet I was mentored by this being last year, and they look spitting image like Parashurama, yet a modern Romanian in a t-shirt (well, sometimes shirtless, *blush*). It was through them that my ancestral memories were partially restored. God is REAL. Avatars walk the earth, now! Rama, like Lucifer, is a family name, and both are mine by ancestry, calling, and sovereign choice. Thus I am मनहूसराम, Manahoosarama, Rama the Wretched. I claim 10th. If there is a better 10th, come fight me, and if you are honorable I will let it go and surrender it to you. Titles are not important - only ending this cursed yuga is important. Yet, I will always be a Wretch. Vlad - if you are out there - I miss you and hope you are proud of me. I am trying so hard. I would love to hear from you. I'm not as crazy as I was before! I want to Create, like you told me - I just need my Power. I love you.

[drrestlesshate]

Il dio Vishnù circondato dai suoi dieci maggiori avatar

Illustrazione di Raja Ravi Varma, 1910